NSPCC defends its spending record

THE National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children defended its spending record yesterday after it emerged that only half the money received goes directly to services for victims.

Following the release of its annual report the charity, which received £62 million last year, said that at least 50 per cent of its total income was spent on publicity, campaigning and administration. Investment in advertising and campaigning was essential for it to be effective, said a spokesman, adding that only 14 per cent of all donations was spent on administration and support.

He said: "To say only half goes to children is a completely distorted way of looking at it. Our local services to children are the core of NSPCC work. But we are a campaigning organisation with a twin-track approach to our work." The charity launched its Full Stop campaign in March which featured stars including the Spice Girls. He said: "With £80 million coming in, we have a return on our investment of more than four to one."

Neil Hunt, NSPCC director of child protection, said it was ridiculous to suggest that the money was not helping vulnerable children. He told Radio 4's Today programme: "Raising awareness of child protection does not come cheap. We're making no apologies about this. I do not understand this criticism."